This quick post is really about the writer’s dilemma: how much time to spend ‘looking out’ into the world, making friends, connections and establishing an online profile, compared to the ‘eyes-down-look-in’ mentality that’s neccessary for the actual writing.
For me the autumn (starting in September) has always been the time to sit down and write, and so I hesitated before joining Rachael Harrie’s (third) Platform-Building Campaign. But in the end, how could I turn down the opportunity to get out there and tell more people about my work?
So far I am hugely impressed by the organisation put in by Rachael, and as you’ll see from my last post, I’ve already had lots of new people calling here as well as joining me on Twitter. And so it looks as if I must, like the Roman god Janus, face both ways. He is the deity of new beginnings, by the way, so here’s hoping this one leads to something big!
Meanwhile, with my writing head, I’ve been working on a new story in the Derek and Annie series. These are fun to do and, I hope, fun to read. Pitched somewhere between My Family and One Foot in the Grave, they’re about a married couple coping with retirement, an empty nest, and most of all, each other. Two of them (Museum Pieces and A Fork Less Ordinary) are already available from Etherbooks and I’ve always thought if I I can add a few more to the collection, I may look at getting them into print. Otherwise, with A Kettle of Fish going out to publishers and agents, it really is time to make a start on that next novel.
By the way, for any new visitors arriving this week, I do try to respond to all comments left here, and to make a return visit to the caller’s blog. Apologies if I get behind with my social calls at any time.
Meanwhile there’s still just time to join the campaign by visiting Rachael’s blog. Happy campaigning!
Ali Bacon / Books Etc 
I love your analogy to the Roman god in that, as writers, we have to face both ways: inward but with an eye outward. I am also hugely impressed by the writer campaign challenge. Look forward to connecting some more.
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Hi Allie
Thanks and welcome.
See you around!
AliB
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Coming over from the contemp campaign group! Best of luck with A Fine Kettle of Fish!
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Thanks for visiting. Hope the campaign goes well for you!
AliB
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Visiting from the Contemp/Mainstream Group! Nice to “meet” you.
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nice to meet you thru the campaign =)
looking forward to meeting others and learning!
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Hello Madeline and Mona – good to have you along. Looking forward to hearing more about you both!
AliB
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I’m in your Adult Fiction group at the Campaign, and wanted to say hello. It’s great to meet you and to discover your blog, best of luck and I’ll see you around! 🙂
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Hi Ali,
I’m one of your contemp/mainstream buddies at the Campaign. You’ll love it. ; )
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I know what you mean about time constraints. I’m at risk of not having enough time to write due to all the various blogfests that are happening. The problem is I enjoy them but I also need to write. I’m a bit worried about reading your Derek and Annie series. They sound scarily like me and Mr A!!
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Hello Allison, Wishing you the best of luck with the submission for a fine kettle of fish. Saying hello from your literary fiction group;)
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Hi Zan and Julie – good to meet. Have already been across to visit you in yout own ‘homes’.
Christy – hope to get there soon. We ‘litfic’ types should stick together!
Ros – I’ve had a dry spell writing-wise and suddenly keen to get back to it. Will just have to see how things go. Glad you sense an empathy with D. and A. They are fiction, but all tinged with a certain 50+ angst which I think is commonplace. As the saying goes, ‘in sickness and in health,’ but not for lunch!
Ali B
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Hi Ali!
I joined the Campaign for the first time this year, and with just the same hesitations. But you’re right, we do have to face both ways. And the only way people will read our work is if they know about it in the first place!
Had a mad weekend preparing publicity stuff (bit ironic really) so only just off to meet people in the Campaign.
Happy writing and blogging,
Juliet
http://julietgreenwoodauthor.wordpress.com/
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Hi Juliet
Thanks so much for visiting. Just been over to your blog- what fab photos of North Wales – a landscape that never fails to astonish.
Think we may have a few things in common …
AliB
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Hi Ali,
Thanks for comments on the pictures of North Wales! I love your photo header, that looks really moody and atmospheric. I haven’t visited Scotland for a few years, but I spent a lot of summers with family in Elie, just below St. Andrews, when I was a kid. Beautiful beaches and countryside, and the water is incredibly clear. But I do remember how cold the sea is on that east coast …
Great to get to know you. Here’s to the journey!
Juliet
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Aha – just remembered the banner is actually Menai Straits in winter. well spotted!
AliB
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Hi Ali,
Mm, I thought that looked a bit familiar for Scotland 🙂 Good choice! (But then I am biased.)
The RNA is definitely a good move. They have helped me so much – and their parties are pretty awesome, too. Maybe catch you there sometime?
Juliet
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Heya, just popping by (whilst yawning) to say I’m a campaigner too and am literally zonked out -so I’ll try and pop by when I’m more refreshed:) Nice to meet you.
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Hi and thanks for visiting – just about to drop by yours!
Alib
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